Not yet recruitingObservational

Developing stratified pathways to advance readiness in children for school

Every year, thousands of newborn babies in the UK need specialist care in a neonatal unit or baby intensive care unit. As these children grow, many face extra hurdles with talking, learning, moving, and starting school. Their families also face added stress and worry. This study, called SPARCS2, is run by researchers at the University of Cambridge. They want to find out what checks and support families need between leaving the hospital and the first day of primary school. Parents and carers of children admitted to a UK neonatal unit since 2020 can take part. Taking part is completely voluntary and done from home. It involves a 5-minute online survey and, for some, a 30 to 60-minute video interview. By sharing their honest stories, parents will help shape better NHS support for future families across the UK.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Cambridge

Enrolment target

530

Start

01 Dec 2026

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Unmet needs and school readiness in children who received neonatal care, and their families

What is this study about?

Each year, more than 70,000 babies in the UK are cared for in special neonatal units. This includes babies born too early, those with birth injuries, or babies born with health conditions needing extra care. Modern medical treatments mean that far more of these babies survive and thrive, but starting school can still be challenging. Earlier research showed that at least one in three children who stayed in neonatal care was not completely ready for school by age five.

Leaving the neonatal unit can feel daunting. Many children develop hurdles with their speech, movement, emotions, or learning. At the same time, parents often carry heavy emotional stress, financial strains, or ongoing worries about their child's health. Currently, there is no standard, clear plan across the UK to check and support these children in the years before they begin school.

The SPARCS2 study wants to change this. Researchers are asking parents about their everyday experiences after coming home from hospital. They want to identify the gaps in care and discover what help makes the biggest difference. The goal is to build clear, practical support paths so that every child who needed neonatal care gets the best possible start in education.

Key takeaways

SPARCS2 explores the support children need between leaving neonatal care and starting primary school.
Open to UK parents and carers whose child had a neonatal stay in 2020 or later.
Taking part involves a 5-minute online survey (£10 voucher) and an optional online video interview (£30 voucher).
Everything is completed from home, with no hospital visits or treatments involved.
The findings will help design better, earlier support pathways for NHS families.

Who may be eligible?

You can take part if you are a parent or primary carer aged 16 or over, living in the UK, whose child was admitted to any UK neonatal unit in 2020 or later. It does not matter what level of care your baby received, or how long their stay was. Parents whose baby has sadly passed away are also warmly invited to share their experiences if they feel able to do so.

To join the online survey, you need to be able to complete it in English, Polish, Romanian, Arabic, Punjabi, or Urdu. If you wish to take part in the optional video interview, you will need to speak English comfortably, as interpreters are not provided for that stage.

You cannot take part if you are under 16, if your child's neonatal stay took place before 2020, or if you are unable to give informed consent.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am a parent or primary carer aged 16 or older.
My child spent time in a UK neonatal unit in 2020 or later.
I currently live in the United Kingdom.
I can complete an online survey in English, Polish, Romanian, Arabic, Punjabi, or Urdu.
I am comfortable answering questions about our experiences since leaving hospital.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part happens entirely online from home, so you will not need to travel or visit a hospital. You can choose to complete the survey, take part in an interview, or do both.

The first part is a short online survey that takes around 5 minutes. It asks about your background, your child's time in neonatal care, how they are doing today, and any support you received. It includes open spaces to write in your own words. You can skip any question you prefer not to answer. Parents who finish the survey receive a £10 voucher to thank them for their time.

The second part is an optional 30 to 60-minute video interview. Around 30 parents will be invited to talk in more detail with a researcher at a time that suits them. These conversations are recorded and typed up, with all personal names and identifying details removed. Parents who take part in an interview receive a £30 voucher.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part will not directly alter your child's healthcare, but your views will directly help improve support for future families across the UK. There are no physical risks, but thinking back to your child's time in hospital or discussing difficult health problems can be emotionally upsetting. Warning notes appear before sensitive questions, and contact details for support charities are provided. You are completely free to skip questions, take a break, or stop taking part at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

University of Cambridge
Approximate
Cambridge, England

Common questions

Do I have to travel to a clinic or hospital?

No. The entire study is run online. You can complete the survey on your phone or computer, and any interview takes place over a secure video call.

Does my child receive any medicine or treatment in this study?

No. This is an observational study based on surveys and discussions. It does not involve any tests, medications, or changes to your child's medical care.

What languages is the survey available in?

The online survey is available in English, Polish, Romanian, Arabic, Punjabi, and Urdu.

Can I take part if my baby passed away?

Yes. Bereaved parents whose babies were in neonatal care from 2020 onwards are very welcome to share their experiences, though participation is entirely your choice.

Will my answers be kept private?

Yes. All data is kept securely by the University of Cambridge. Your name and any details that could identify your family will be completely removed before findings are shared.

How to find out more

Gemma Girdler

gcg23@cam.ac.uk +44 (0)7766257339 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.